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HISTORY OF THE PHILADELPHIA "KAISER ALEXANDER GARDE GRENADIER REGIMENT Nr. 1."
The Philadelphia living-history unit, the "Kaiser Alexander Garde Grenadier Regiment Nr. 1" was founded
in 1977. Over its many years, members were all Americans, but not all were of German descent. However, they
were bound by a common admiration of the Prussian soldier and his simple clear devotion to duty and honor. During its
existence, the ages of the members ranged from sixteen to sixty. They were dedicated to the ideals
of close friendship, and a readiness to assist each other and promote brotherhood.
The Garde was committed to presenting the image of the Prussian soldier in a proud and honorable fashion.
It was not a political group and welcomed all prospective members, regardless of sex or ethnicity.
At the
current time, the former Garde is no longer active due to personal responsibilities of many members. However,
there are plans underway to create a new unit based upon the elite "Prussian 1st Garde Regiment" circa 1860's-1890's.
It is hoped there will be an infusion of new members, who share these common interests. Anyone interested
in fulfilling these goals is warmly invited to become a member. The only requirements are participation in monthly
practice drills and ultimately in annual events. The Garde will assist new members in assembling the
required uniform and equipment, as well as the necessary skills to participate.
Suggestions from new members are enthusiastically invited. For example, it has been discussed
that members may wish to apply what they learn with the Garde, and participate in battle scenarios with the Franco-Prussian
War Reenactment Association, presently forming in South-Central Pennsylvania.
It should also be noted, that there are efforts to create a broader national organization,
based upon the original Philadelphia "Kaiser Alexander Garde Grenadier Regiment Nr. 1." These will all be living-history
groups focusing on the era, circa 1860-1890. It is anticipated that there would be a combined annual
gathering of these units, to recreate the famed Kaiser Manöver.
Additional information about the formation of the Garde is available from
the following individuals:
Philadelphia Area - Mr. Paul Schwitters: pschwitters@aol.com
Michigan Area - Mr. Robert Kolkka: rwkolkka@mtu.edu
Home Phone: 906-296-0965
Work Phone: 906-487-2695
Note: The above information and history was provided by Mr. Paul Schwitters, the founder and original
Commander of the Philadelphia unit. This information and these images have been included on this website, as
a courtesy.
Please click on any of the images on this website, to view full-size. All photos will
open in a new window.
PRUSSIAN GLORY MILITARIA
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